RCMP threatens to build new Kamloops detachment if delays continue

BC RCMP may not wait much longer for Kamloops to start building a long-delayed police station that is already getting more expensive.

A letter from provincial headquarters was sent to the city last month warning city hall that leadership are willing to consider forcing the project ahead.

“Should the city be unable to demonstrate meaningful progress toward fulfilling its obligations, the RCMP will consider exercising the authorities available under the Municipal Police Unit Act Agreement,” a June 16 letter from BC RCMP assistant commissioner John Brewer reads.

Whether the letter prompted city hall to get moving on the project isn’t clear, but RCMP could have the project built and send city hall the bill. Now, the question may soon go to voters as soon as October with a higher bill than previously thought.

A new detachment has been floated at city hall for several years, and Kamloops RCMP say their workforce is triple the occupancy of the current building, which was built in 1990 and only expected to last for 10 years.

Despite some progress in this council term toward building a new police station, there’s been little progress for more than a year, which Brewer said is “concerning” and called for a “comprehensive” update with clear timelines.

City staff are now planning for a taxpayer-backed loan of $160 million to fund the project, up from $150 million previously expected, according to a report to council’s committee of the whole. That loan is expected to fund the entire construction cost, unless the city receives grants to cover part of the bill.

The increase is based on market changes from the previous estimate last spring and it assumes construction would start in 2028. If delayed further to 2030, staff estimate costs will rise further to $173 million.

Council voted last year to ask the public for approval to borrow $150 million for the project in an alternative approval process. After months of delays, several other delayed counter-petitions did go ahead earlier this year, but the police station lagged behind as staff revisited the cost.

Staff are suggesting council consider either putting the $160 million to a referendum alongside the October election, or use the alternative approval process in early 2027.

Once built, the five-storey building is envisioned to be on the same property as the current detachment and have a 30-year lifespan.